Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

Traditional manufacturing is an area in urgent need of assistance, with the increase in VAT in the last budget, in particular, creating immense difficulty for certain enterprises. Yesterday a provisional liquidator was appointed to Flair International in Bailieborough, County Cavan, a company which manufactures quality bath and shower screens. This development endangers the jobs of the 52 people currently employed there, following the unfortunate laying off of 26 workers last January. I appeal to the Minister of State and the Minister, Deputy Bruton, with whom I was in contact previously regarding this company, to ensure that the Department and Enterprise Ireland provide all possible support to it. The employment it provides is of great importance to the town. Enterprise Ireland has, at my request, done some work with the company in the past. Will the Minister of State undertake to ensure that Enterprise Ireland is as proactive as possible, with the support of the Department, in seeking to protect the jobs at this enterprise?

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